• the size and position of the equipment

• whether equipment is visible from the road

• the type of property

• whether the property is listed

• whether it is within a Conservation Area

• whether an Article 4 Direction applies

• whether the property is a house, flat or maisonette

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Planning requirements should therefore be checked before equipment is ordered or an installation position is agreed.

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At APN Green Homes, we encourage homeowners to consider planning alongside the wider design of their green home improvements so that different technologies can be incorporated practically and successfully.

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What Is Permitted Development?

 

Permitted development rights allow homeowners to carry out certain alterations and installations without obtaining full planning permission.

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Many common green home technologies can potentially benefit from these rights.

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That does not mean there are no restrictions.

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Permitted development rules can control the size, location, height, projection and visual impact of equipment. Some technologies also have specific requirements relating to matters such as noise and proximity to neighbouring properties.

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If an installation falls outside those limits, a planning application may be required.

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Solar Panels Planning Permission

 

For many homes, planning permission for solar panels is not required.

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Roof-mounted solar panels can often be installed under permitted development rights, provided the installation complies with the relevant conditions.

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The panels should normally be positioned to minimise their effect on the appearance of the building and surrounding area.

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There are situations where the planning position requires more careful consideration.

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These include:

• solar panels on listed buildings

• solar panels in Conservation Areas

• solar panels on flat roofs

• solar panels on commercial buildings

• solar panels installed on outbuildings

• solar panels installed within gardens

• ground mounted solar panel systems

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The scale and location of the proposed installation can make a significant difference.

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A relatively modest roof-mounted system may be straightforward, while ground mounted solar panels planning permission can involve additional considerations including height, position, land use and visual impact.

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If you are considering solar PV, establishing the planning position early can avoid unnecessary changes later.

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Read our Solar Panel Planning Permission guide for more detailed advice.

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Ground Mounted Solar Panels Planning Permission

 

Solar panels do not always have to be installed on a roof.

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For properties with sufficient land, a ground-mounted solar array can provide an alternative where the roof is unsuitable because of its orientation, construction, shading or available area.

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Small domestic installations may potentially fall within permitted development limits, but larger systems are more likely to require planning consideration.

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The council may consider issues such as:

• the size of the solar array

• its height

• proximity to property boundaries

• visibility from neighbouring properties or public areas

• landscape impact

• listed buildings and heritage settings

• Conservation Areas

• agricultural or open land

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Ground-mounted solar installations should therefore be assessed individually rather than assuming the same rules apply as roof-mounted panels.

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Air Conditioning Planning Permission

 

The growing popularity of home cooling means air conditioning planning permission is becoming an increasingly important consideration for homeowners.

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Most domestic air-conditioning systems include an external condenser unit positioned on an outside wall, roof or within the garden.

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Whether an air conditioning unit requires planning permission can depend on the type of system being installed and whether it falls within permitted development rights applying to qualifying heating and cooling equipment.

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The position of the external unit is particularly important.

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Planners may consider:

• the size of the unit

• where it is positioned

• its visibility

• potential noise

• proximity to neighbouring properties

• the character of the building

• whether the property is within a protected area

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Some modern air-to-air heat pump systems provide both heating and cooling and can potentially benefit from permitted development rights where all the relevant criteria are satisfied.

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A conventional cooling-only air-conditioning installation may need to be considered differently.

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For this reason, homeowners should not assume that all air conditioning units are permitted development.

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Read our Air Conditioning Planning Permission guide before choosing the position of an external unit.

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Air Source Heat Pump Planning Permission

 

Air source heat pumps have become one of the most important technologies for reducing dependence on conventional fossil-fuel heating.

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In many circumstances, an air source heat pump can be permitted development, meaning a full planning application may not be necessary.

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Permitted development rights for heat pumps in England have been widened in recent years, making installation easier for many homeowners.

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Nevertheless, there are still rules governing qualifying installations.

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These can relate to matters including:

• the size of the external unit

• its location

• noise levels

• the number of heat pumps installed

• listed buildings

• protected areas

• the type of property

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The planning position should therefore be confirmed before an installation location is finalised.

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This is particularly important where the external heat pump unit would be highly visible or close to neighbouring homes.

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Read our Air Source Heat Pump Planning Permission guide for further information.

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Ground Source Heat Pump Planning Permission

 

Ground source heat pumps operate differently from air source systems because much of the installation is located underground.

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For a domestic property, the underground pipework associated with a ground source heat pump may often be possible without a conventional planning application.

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However, larger schemes, substantial ground works and installations affecting protected land or heritage properties can require additional consideration.

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Homeowners should also consider practical issues such as access for excavation equipment, available garden space and the location of existing underground services.

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EV Charger Planning Permission

 

For homes with a private driveway or other off-street parking, EV charger planning permission will often not be required.

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Domestic electric vehicle charging points can frequently be installed under permitted development rights where they meet the relevant conditions.

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The situation can become more complicated where:

• the property has no private driveway

• the charger is positioned close to a highway

• cables need to cross a pavement

• the property is listed

• the property is within a Conservation Area

• the installation serves flats or multiple properties

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Homes relying on on-street parking require particular consideration because permission to install a charger does not automatically provide permission to run cables across a public pavement.

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Local authorities are increasingly developing different approaches to pavement-crossing charging systems, so the practical solution should be established before installing the charging equipment.

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Read our EV Charger Planning Permission guide for more information.

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Does Home Insulation Need Planning Permission?

 

Many insulation improvements can be completed without planning permission.

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Internal wall insulation, loft insulation and insulation installed within existing floors generally have little or no effect on the external appearance of a property.

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External wall insulation is different because it can alter the appearance and dimensions of the building.

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Planning permission may need to be considered where external insulation significantly changes the property's appearance, particularly where the building:

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• has strong period character

• is listed

• lies within a Conservation Area

• has distinctive brickwork or architectural detailing

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The planning implications should therefore be considered alongside the thermal benefits.

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Building Regulations can also apply to insulation improvements even where planning permission is not required.

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Do Energy Efficient Windows Need Planning Permission?

 

Replacing windows in a conventional house will often be relatively straightforward where the new windows are similar in appearance to those being replaced.

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However, planning considerations become much more important when changing the style, material, size or proportions of windows.

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Particular care is needed for:

• listed buildings

• Conservation Areas

• properties affected by Article 4 Directions

• period homes

• flats and maisonettes

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Changing traditional timber windows to a significantly different design or material can be restricted in some locations.

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For character properties, improving thermal performance does not necessarily mean removing the architectural features that make the home distinctive.

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There may be alternatives including improved glazing, secondary glazing or high-performance replacement windows designed to retain the original appearance.

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Solar Thermal and Hot Water Systems

 

Solar thermal panels use energy from the sun to help provide domestic hot water.

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From a planning perspective, roof-mounted solar thermal equipment can have many of the same considerations as solar photovoltaic panels.

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The position, projection and visual impact of the panels should therefore be considered, particularly on listed buildings and properties within protected locations.

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Battery Storage

 

Home battery storage is becoming increasingly common alongside solar panels.

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Many battery systems are installed internally within garages, utility rooms or suitable plant areas and may have little direct planning impact.

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External batteries and associated enclosures should be considered more carefully, particularly where they are visible from public areas or require additional structures.

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Planning is only one consideration.

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Battery systems also need appropriate electrical design, ventilation, fire safety and installation by competent specialists.

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MVHR and Heat Recovery

 

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery — commonly known as MVHR — is generally installed primarily within the building.

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The system distributes fresh filtered air while recovering heat from outgoing air.

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Although the equipment itself may not create significant planning issues, external intake and exhaust terminals can affect the building's elevations.

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This becomes more important on listed buildings, Conservation Area properties and highly visible elevations.

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The best time to consider MVHR is usually as part of a wider refurbishment because installation requires careful planning of ducts and ceiling or floor voids.

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Listed Buildings

 

Green home improvements require particular care when a property is listed.

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A listed building is protected because of its special architectural or historic interest.

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Work that might be straightforward on an ordinary house can therefore require Listed Building Consent.

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This can potentially include changes involving:

• windows

• external insulation

• solar panels

• external heat pump equipment

• air conditioning units

• ventilation openings

• alterations to roofs or external walls

• internal works affecting historic fabric

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Listed Building Consent and planning permission are separate matters.

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A project may require one, both or neither depending on the work proposed.

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The safest approach is to establish the heritage implications before deciding on the final green home specification.

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Conservation Areas

 

Being within a Conservation Area does not automatically prevent homeowners from installing modern energy-saving technology.

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However, councils have a responsibility to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of these areas.

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The visual impact of installations can therefore become particularly important.

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Solar panels positioned on a discreet rear roof may, for example, present a very different planning situation from equipment prominently positioned on a principal elevation facing the street.

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Similarly, heat pump and air-conditioning units may be easier to accommodate where they can be sensitively positioned away from important elevations.

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Good design can make a substantial difference.

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Article 4 Directions

 

Some councils use Article 4 Directions to remove particular permitted development rights from properties or areas.

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These are frequently used where the local authority considers that uncontrolled alterations could gradually damage the architectural character of an area.

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Where an Article 4 Direction applies, something that would normally be permitted development elsewhere may require planning permission.

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This is why it is important to check the planning constraints affecting the individual property rather than relying solely on general national guidance.

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Flats and Maisonettes

 

Homeowners living in flats and maisonettes need to take additional care.

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Permitted development rights available to houses do not necessarily apply in the same way to flats.

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There can also be separate ownership issues involving:

• freeholders

• leaseholders

• management companies

• communal roofs

• shared walls

• gardens

• external elevations

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Installing solar panels, heat pumps, air conditioning or EV charging equipment may therefore require more than simply establishing whether planning permission is needed.

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The lease and ownership arrangements should also be checked.

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Planning Permission and Building Regulations Are Different

 

Planning permission and Building Regulations are frequently confused, but they deal with different issues.

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Planning permission generally considers the effect of development on the property, neighbours and surrounding area.

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Building Regulations deal with how building work is designed and constructed.

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A green home project might therefore require:

• neither planning permission nor Building Regulations approval

• Building Regulations approval but no planning permission

• planning permission but limited Building Regulations involvement

• both planning permission and Building Regulations approval

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For example, an insulation project may have little planning impact while still needing to comply with requirements relating to thermal performance, moisture and ventilation.

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Similarly, solar panels may not require planning permission but the roof structure and electrical installation still need to be suitable.

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Should I Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate?

 

Sometimes a proposed installation appears to comply with permitted development rights, but the homeowner wants greater certainty.

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In these circumstances, it may be possible to apply to the local planning authority for a Lawful Development Certificate.

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A Lawful Development Certificate is not the same as planning permission.

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Instead, it provides formal confirmation that the proposed work is lawful without a conventional planning application.

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This can be useful where:

• the planning position is not completely obvious

• the installation is substantial

• the homeowner intends to sell the property in the future

• a lender or purchaser may want evidence

• certainty is required before investing in expensive equipment

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Check the Planning Position Before You Install

 

The best time to establish whether planning permission is required is before the equipment is purchased.

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Installers naturally concentrate on the technology they supply.

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The wider property may have planning, architectural or heritage considerations that also need to be taken into account.

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Moving a heat pump, air-conditioning condenser or solar array after equipment has been ordered can be expensive and inconvenient.

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Checking first can make the installation considerably simpler.

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Consider Your Green Home as a Whole

 

Solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, insulation, better windows, ventilation, smart heating and EV charging can all improve a home.

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But they should not necessarily be considered as isolated products.

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The best combination depends on the individual property.

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A poorly insulated home may benefit from fabric improvements before changing the heating system. A home with a large suitable roof may offer excellent solar potential. Another property may benefit more from insulation, better controls or improved glazing.

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There may also be planning constraints that affect which technologies are practical and where they should be installed.

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That is why APN Green Homes takes a whole-home approach.

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We look at the property, its construction, energy-saving opportunities, planning considerations, available technologies, budget and the homeowner's future plans.

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Every home is different. Your green home plan should be too.

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APN Green Homes helps homeowners create a practical blueprint for improving their home using today's energy-saving and low-carbon technologies — prioritised around the property, the available budget and future plans.

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Thinking about making your home greener?

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NEXT STEPS

Every home is different, so the right next step depends on your property, your budget and what you want to achieve. APN Green Homes can help you turn the information you have just read into a practical plan for your own home. Whether you are considering one improvement or looking at a complete whole-home energy upgrade, we can help you understand what is suitable, what should be prioritised and where your money is likely to make the greatest difference.

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Choose one of the options below to get the ball rolling:

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BOOK A GREEN HOME SURVEY
Get a detailed assessment of your home with practical, property-specific recommendations and a clear plan for the improvements worth considering.

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BOOK A PHONE CONSULTATION
Talk through your property, ideas and priorities with us and get some initial direction on the best way forward.

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EMAIL US
Send us details of your property, photographs or any questions and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.

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GIVE US A CALL
Prefer to speak to someone? Give us a call and tell us what you are hoping to achieve.

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Your greener, more efficient home starts with understanding the right improvements for your property — and putting them in the right order.